Flexible Aerogel Insulation System for Rapidly Deployable Army Shelters

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. (AAI) proposes the development of silica aerogel-based, flexible, insulation systems for Army shelters as a direct replacement for the current multi-layer, cloth-based insulation blankets. The superior thermal resistance of aerogel materials will provide an insulation system with excellent thermal resistance compared to current shelter insulation solutions with an 8x reduction in thickness and total volume. AAI's unique flexible aerogel insulation blankets will allow these high performance insulation materials to be packed efficiently for storage and shipment and will maintain thermal properties through multiple strike and erect cycles. In addition, the inherently low flammability of the silica matrix of the aerogel will reduce the flammability of the overall system and reduce the thermal signature of soldiers using the tent. On the proposed effort, AAI will team with Johnson Outdoors to develop the insulation for shelters such as their Modular General Purpose Tent System (MGPTS). The new insulation materials developed on this program will improve the mobility and sustainability of ground forces and improve the effectiveness, safety, and comfort of soldiers in extreme hot and cold environments.